HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHIES

There are 3 tendons at the back of the thigh that connect the hamstring to the base of the pelvis, like many of the injuries we have discussed the tendons are subject to repetitive strains and micro trauma, elasticity is removed from the tendon and thereby degeneration ensues. We often find this area can be the cause of back and hip pain due to its anatomical connection at the base of the pelvis.

Chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy is an overuse syndrome that is often managed by non-operative measures. Pain is often deep posterior hip and buttock pain, pain is often worsened by prolonged sitting. Repetition such as bike and running can also create pain.

This is one of the most common conditions to treat with Shockwave that does not have a specific NICE Guideline, but again endless studies to substantiate same. As you can imagine the symptoms and the biomechanical issues are similar to the tendinopathies we’ve mentioned earlier. Typically, with an insertional problem, Shockwave is used by many sports physiotherapists and osteopaths to great effect, with some outside the UK starting treatment as early as week 6 from the injury (again considered opinion is why wait!). A patient will typically see results between treatment two and three and a course of four to five treatments will see the injury repaired.

Many people find this is the best result and far more effective than a course of injections, where even within the medical community there is a growing consensus that it’s at the end of its era.

Though we don't have a NICE guideline, we do follow the same protocols for assessing the injury before treatment. So as before, this will be an injury failing to respond to other treatments and has been present longer than 6 months.

Because the body has stopped healing we need something to reboot the healing mechanism. Shockwave’s ability to stimulate this regeneration in areas that are complex or difficult to heal is the key to its success.

There are similarities across all the conditions we describe. These are usually degenerative in nature, confirmed by lab work, but there is often a new found injury to the effected area. Some recent papers recommends higher energy (i.e. Focused) Shockwave, but endorsed research supports Radial Shockwave.

Next Steps

Here are the 3 steps to discover if Shockwave is right for you:

• If you want to read more about Shockwave Therapy, download a free copy of The Shockwave Solution book
• If you have a specific condition, however you are not sure Shockwave is an appropriate course of treatment, complete a free, confidential Online Assessment.
• If you are ready to see if Shockwave is right for you, call to schedule an assessment appointment 020 8662 1155